Apple loosens hardware specifications and opens Lightning interface to third parties

Lightning interface is Apple's proprietary technology, previously only used on Apple's own iOS devices. Last week, Apple announced at a conference attended by accessory manufacturers that it would open this interface technology to accessory manufacturers, which means that the cost of accessories will be reduced, especially the iPhone's Lightning cable can be used directly to connect accessories or charge.

Last week, Apple held a summit for iOS accessory manufacturers in China (MFi Summit). At the meeting, Apple informed manufacturers of the latest Lightning interface authorization policy and also demonstrated the new Lightning interface connector and technical specifications.

It is said that the new Lightning socket and specifications will be officially launched early next year. For accessory manufacturers, they will be able to use the Lightning interface that was previously limited to iOS devices for the first time.

At this conference for accessory manufacturers, Apple also talked about the hardware of the smart home platform HealthKit, Apple's new Lightning headset technical specifications, game controllers and more.

The benefits of allowing third-party accessory manufacturers to use the Lightning interface are self-evident. According to some manufacturers, the biggest advantage is that accessories can be charged using Lightning cables, which reduces costs and provides a better user experience.

It is reported that in the past, accessory manufacturers generally used USB family interfaces for charging. After switching to the Lightning interface, users can directly use the Lightning cable provided by Apple.

In addition, according to Apple's new version of the Lightning headphone technical specifications, in the future accessory manufacturers will be able to abandon traditional 3.5-inch headphones and turn to Lightning interface headphones, which can charge while playing songs.

For other Bluetooth headset manufacturers, the Lightning interface will also replace the USB interface for charging.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.